February Theatre & Cinema Highlights

2/14 through 2/24- THE YELLOW BOAT, by David Saar, presented by Half Moon Theatre at the James Earl Jones Theater, Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie. Half Moon Theatre presents the East Coast premiere of David Saars’ The Yellow Boat, an inspirational story about Benjamin, a young and gifted visual artist with congenital hemophilia who is able to channel his physical and emotional pain into his imaginative art. Based on a true story, this extensively produced play touches on difficult subject matter such as isolation and AIDS, while affirming life and the power of the imagination. Directed by Marge Whitcomb and starring Neil Worden and Stefanie Salzmann, this also features interactive projection work by Matthew Slaats, presenting the inner world of Benjamin. James Earl Jones Theater, Poughkeepsie Day School, 260 Boardman Rd., Poughkeepsie, www.halfmoontheatre.org, 845.235.9885. Th-Sa 7:30 PM, Sa & Su 3 PM

2/14 through 2/24- A RAISIN IN THE SUN, by Lorraine Hansberry, presented by Passing the Torch Through the Arts at ASK Arts Center, Kingston. Michael Monasterial’s Passing the Torch Through the Arts company celebrates Black History Month with this classic, which also celebrates it’s 50th anniversary. As part of their youth outreach program, all young people under 18 are admitted free. Monasterial takes his mission seriously, which is to use the arts to help counter the increasing rate of racially motivated crime in Ulster County, and RAISIN IN THE SUN, with it’s message of family and courage fighting bigotry still has resonance. PTTA also is throwing a fundraiser Su 2/24 at Mariner’s Harbor (in the Rondout), with a package including dinner, live jazz, and a matinee ticket. ASK Arts Center, 97 Broadway, Kingston, www.passingthetorchthroughthearts.com, 845.790.0400. Th-Sa 8 PM, Su 2 PM

Every Thursday- WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL MOVIE NIGHT at Oriole 9, Woodstock. As if having one of the premiere restaurants in the area (and being a frequent Roll contributor) wasn’t enough, Pierre-Luc Moeys ups the ante with this weekly film series of movies that were favorites at the Woodstock Film Festival over recent years. 2/14- LES TRIPLETTES DE BELLEVILLE; 2/21- WFF SHORT FILM COMPILATION; 2/28- RACING DAYLIGHT (also filmed in the Hudson Valley); 3/6- AIR GUITAR NATION; 3/13- THE ORANGE THIEF. Make sure to get there early for supper, and it is my personal opinion (such as it is) that Oriole 9 makes the BEST cup of coffee in town. Oriole 9 Café/Restaurant, 17 Tinker Street, Woodstock, 845.OR9.5763

Sa 2/23- The 2008 Kingston Kayak Film Festival and Outdoor Show at Tech City, Enterprise Drive, Kingston. On a more outdoorsy note, and thinking ahead to good times paddling around the snow melt-swollen creeks, lakes and rivers, we bring you this all-day event brought to you by Kenco, The Work and Play Outfitter, and the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation, for whom this is a benefit. Four screens will be showing informative films on kayak instruction, whitewater paddling, and varieties of camping and water recreation. Other activities include cycling, Nordic walking, and fishing, with all the latest gear and apparel and their manufacturers on hand to answer questions. Activities for kids, food and refreshments. Ticket in advance (at Kenco), $10, $15 at the door. Tech City, Enterprise Drive, Kingston, www.kingstonnkayakfilmfestival.com, 1.800.872.2964.